TY - JOUR
T1 - A biological rationale for musical consonance
JF - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
JO - Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
SP - 11155
LP - 11160
M3 - 10.1073/pnas.1505768112
VL - 112
IS - 36
AU - Bowling, Daniel L.
AU - Purves, Dale
Y1 - 2015/09/08
UR - http://www.pnas.org/content/112/36/11155.abstract
N2 - The basis of musical consonance has been debated for centuries without resolution. Three interpretations have been considered: (i) that consonance derives from the mathematical simplicity of small integer ratios; (ii) that consonance derives from the physical absence of interference between harmonic spectra; and (iii) that consonance derives from the advantages of recognizing biological vocalization and human vocalization in particular. Whereas the mathematical and physical explanations are at odds with the evidence that has now accumulated, biology provides a plausible explanation for this central issue in music and audition.
ER -